Ormazabal is Powersystems UK's technology partner for the design, manufacture and supply of the distribution substations for Energy Superhub Oxford

We have been selected by Powersystems UK as a technology partner for an innovative scheme in the city of Oxford. The project will improve air quality and cut carbon emissions helping Oxford to achieve net zero by 2040.

Energy Superhub Oxford is a pioneering project that combines several innovative technologies to deliver more efficient, cheaper and greener energy solutions in the city of Oxford. Coupled with the city’s plans to kick-start the first Zero Emission Zone in the UK in August, the Oxford Superhub will be powered exclusively by renewable energy. The scheme is one of the first of its kind, integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging, battery storage, ground source heat pumps, optimisation and energy trading in a city-wide network. This hub will be largest in the UK and the most powerful in Europe, marking a huge step forward in the development in EV infrastructure.

Energy Superhub Oxford is a consortium of six partners, led by Pivot Power, part of EDF Renewables, and including public, business and academic organisations, all working together to lower Oxford’s carbon emissions and clean up its air.

Powersystems UK have been awarded the contract for the design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, energisation and hand over of the Electrical Balance of Plant Works associated with the high-powered cable that will deliver electricity to the UK’s largest public EV charging hub at Redbridge Park & Ride. A connection point will also be installed at Oxford Bus Company’s Watlington Road depot, ready to support electrification of the city’s bus fleet.

The Oxford Superhub will be connected to National Grid’s high voltage transmission network, which will supply up to 10 MW of power on site. This way, multiple electric vehicles will be able to charge simultaneously without overloading the local power grid – a particular concern in a number of industrial installations today, as the energy demand for fast charging is high.

Ormazabal will be designing, manufacturing and supplying distribution substations on behalf of Powersystems UK. The substations are a custom-built solution incorporating our cgm.3 switchgear and associated advanced protection, automation and communications equipment. The substations will form an important part of the project infrastructure and are designed to maximise the advantages of offsite builds. The first units will be delivered at the end of this year.